The IRONMAN New Zealand Trust

After the February 22nd earthquakes in Christchurch things were looking pretty grim. Triathletes are a pretty resilient bunch but everyone was shaken to the core. After months and months of aftershocks, things began to ease and the clean and rebuild began. This often proved to be an equally stressful time emotionally and in many cases financially.

Thanks to the wonderful athletes that attended and donated money at IRONMAN New Zealand 2011, including the generous donation by the World Triathlon Corporation, over $89,000 was raised and the IRONMAN New Zealand Trust was established.

The Trust’s role was to distribute money to those members of the IRONMAN family impacted by the Earthquakes to enable them to continue in the sport that they love - IRONMAN. This money was extremely helpful in supporting those that needed it the most in their time of need and enabled them the hope to keep training – as the great John Hellmans says "exercise is medicine". Over 30 individuals were supported by the Trust with the money being used mainly for replacement equipment and travel assistance to participate in races. In addition The Trust supported a four day camp prior to IRONMAN 2013 and also enabled the Canterbury Triathlon Club to purchase some equipment to help them deliver better coaching services to local triathlon community.

So if you were one of the athletes that donated back in March 2011 on behalf of all Canterbury athletes we say THANK YOU!